So sorry to hear your news, Karen. Enjoy the time you have left and when it comes time to let go, know you're doing the right thing for Nipper and that he loves you as much as you love him.

I had to put my first cat, Marmalade, to sleep when I was in college, and I cried like a baby.

Keep the stories coming. They are great! And cats can sure pass some rank gas, can't they?

Rank isn't the word! I swear I never smelled cat gas until I got this new one! LOL! She's sleeping in my lap now, happily farting away. I'll be right back ........

Had to get her out of my lap. She was killing me!

Nipper may never have gotten his bird, but he sure as heck gets his ham! What a character your Nipper is ...........

PV

Bakemom.....just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about Nipper....I never realized how easy it was to fall utterly in love with a cat until one showed up on my doorstep. Of course, now I have 4 (and 7 kittens, yikes!) and each one is precious to me. Your Nipper stories are delightful, I truly think you should write a book and call it "My adventures with Nipper". I am sure it would be a best seller. We all understand and feel your pain, there is no need to apologize for sharing the love you feel for your Nipper with your friends here. Please keep the Nipper stories coming and consider writing that book....I for one would be happy to buy it.
Dig

bakemom,

heartfelt thoughts are with you. i don't own a cat, but i do have a dog who means more to me than quite a lot of humans i know. she was terribly ill this time last year and i cried for days straight - on the train to and from work, the grocery store, in my car, at work...didn't matter where, the tears just didn't stop. she is my baby and i can't believe the love i feel for an "animal" (although she is mostly human :)

last year we added a second dog to our family. unfortunately, he didn't live too long and i still get teary-eyed thinking about him. especially now that his memorial garden is beginning to bloom. we only had that baby a month, but fell in love from day one.

i don't find it silly and trivial to express your love as well as your grief. i find it compassionate, warm, human and quite loving.

God Bless You and your Family.

Bakemom, please put up a picture of Nipper so we all can see him and get to know him. It helps later to have those pictures, I go to them often to say Hi to my cats who are gone.

Before I lost Sophia, I held her all of the time and told her how much I loved her. She wanted to stay warm on my lap and hated being put back down on the floor. I had beds for her in a couple of her favorite places.

Hobie never was much of a lap cat, but after Sophia died he started to show more interest in being on my lap and he was so big I would have to put a towel on my lap to cradle him so he wouldn't slide off. He loved to be petted and give my fingers cat licks and nips, a real expression of kitty affection. I used to tell him "Aw, you loves your mums" and I would give him a squeeze and a smooch. Then he would fall asleep. I knew he was getting older, but I always thought I'd have him for few more years.

As I write this, I can look out my window at the birdfeeder, and Hobs is buried close by, next to my tree-stump garden of red Monarda, white Shasta Daisies, and blue Veronica. We planted a flowering crab-apple about 10 feet away from there. He never chased birds, but he loved to watch them, so I think this is a good place for him. If I ever find an orange cat statue that looks like him, I'll add it to the garden.

Sophia is buried in the back yard of my daughter's house because she started out as my daughter's cat, and my grandsons wanted her to be there. A rose bush grows on the fence next to her grave.

Mary

Will do this weekend. Thanks to everyone for support. Perhaps others who have stories would like to share as well. Seems this thread has a lot of folks who have lost. Please feel free to add.

Love those kitty nips. Non-pet owners seem to be suprised those loving nips demonstrate love.

Nipper is doing great! Thanks again everyone.

Bakemom: whats Nipper having for Easter dinner?

Bakemom, My heart just aches for you and I have tears in my eyes. I, too, have spent my life with cats. My siamese lived to be almost 21. She got sick and died within 18 hours. What a blessing! However, the love of my life is a 22 pound (huge barn kitty)red classic tabby named Oscar. He is 10. I waited 20 years for a cat like him. He thinks that he's a dog, greets everyone at the door, spends every moment with me when I'm home (even helped me ws!)and chases dogs! Six months ago he was diagnosed with diabetes. Although I knew it was treatable in most cases, I thought my heart would shrivel up and die I was so sad. It end's up that he is what is called and "uncomplicated case". Two shots a day and Rx food and he is back to his old self. THey don't know if he will live a full life span ( 17 years) but it is possible. Anyway, I decided that I will doubly appreciate him every single day we have together. He's still not going to be too spoiled, but I feel the need to truly appreciate everything he adds to my life. We are so very lucky to have "special" animals in our lives. I will keep both you and Nipper in my prayers. In the mean time, be sure to enjoy every day with him for they are all gifts.

Here is a picture of Nipper taken about 10 minutes ago.

{{gwi:333370}}

Here is a picture of all three cats. The white one is Beetle, then Nipper and the blue and white is Maggie.
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Here's a pic of just Maggie. She's 22 months old.
{{gwi:333372}}

Bakemom, this is what I think I see in Nipper. Hobie had to be part Maine Coon. They are extraordinary cats, and that could explain his talking. Does he chirp at the birds? Tell me what you think.

Boy, this has got to be an awfully tough time for all of you.

Mary

Here is a link that might be useful: Maine Coon

I think you're on to something. Both Maggie and Nipper have the same tail, vocalizations, and chirps. They don't chirp at birds, but they do chirp at me. Both are stocky in the front and taller in the back. They are water cats and enjoy digging just for fun.

Nipper was born in Oklahoma City. Maggie was a rescue kitten at Cat Welfare here in Columbus, Ohio. Although neither one is a tabby, I always thought they resembled Maine Coon.

Yup, they're part Maine Coon! Both Mandy and Petey were part Maine Coon - very, very vocal cats with that distinctive bushy tail. Mandy looked very much like Nipper, but with the finer features of Maggie. And Petey looked like Maggie, just reversed coloring.

They are all beautiful!

Nipper looks like he's feeling pretty OK .. good to see.

How does Beetle stay so clean?

PV

I thought Petey looked a lot like Maggie. Same reasons. Nipper is in great shape for 15 years. Vet said he was quite healthy and looked wonderful. In fact, they thought the wound was just an infection until I told her about the lump. Nips is feeling fine and will enjoy a delicious Easter meal of diced Hillshire Farms deli ham.

Bee is an 8 year old formerly feral cat I rescued from a park in Oklahoma City. She weighed less than 4 pounds (she's a plump 9 now) and was dying of basically everything. She crawled into my car in a last ditch effort to save her life. I ran her straight to the vet who, unfortunately, was hungover after a tequila night with the girls. Luckily my vet was overly kind although I told her to charge me full price. (I think she lied and totally cut the price - great gal).

Bee is one of those feral cats that was horrible for the first few months. Six months into domesticity the light bulb went on and she is now devoted to cleanliness, warmth, comfort and perfect food. A total princess. I have heard other stories about ferals who decide the following: "I have been rich and I have been poor. Rich is better."

No wonder we love them so much, they're more like little buddies than pets. Hobie didn't have a bushy tail, but he had the Maine Coon tiny little voice that just didn't sound like it could be coming out of a gentle giant.

He was also a water cat, having lived on a houseboat the whole summer before I took him. They said he loved to watch herons and ducks, and more than once he nearly went into the canal.

He would catch his prey, read that catnip ball, with both paws. He loved deli ham and turkey but his favorite food was french fries, and I think he learned that when he was a young stray at the marina. He loved any kind of seafood, and would really carry on whenever I opened tuna or clam cans.

The day I picked him up to take him home, my houseboat friend cried her eyes out, and I couldn't understand all the emotion over a cat that only lived with her over the summer. I soon got to know what that was all about. If I am ever going to have more cats my first effort will be to rescue a Maine Coon mix.

It's been 4 months since I lost Hobie and I still have not been able to write more about him to my houseboat friend, except to let her know that he was gone. I think I can do that now, it's getting easier because I've been writing here.

Mary

Handsome cats Bakemom! Nipper reminds me of our cat we had named Ollie. Looks just like him. Have a great Easter!

mrsbee

Karen, I saw your post a few days ago but had to wait until an appropriate time to read everyone's response and post my own thoughts. You know, a time when DH isn't around to wonder why I'm sitting in front of the computer bawling like a baby. Not that I'm embarrassed, I'm just sparing him the emotional distress.
You see, 2 1/2 years ago DH and I said goodbye to our "once-in-a-lifetime" companion. Our Foxy, the sweetest little Pomeranian dog, roamed into our lives as a tick-infested, flea-ridden scroungy little thing. She was with us for only 7 years and people said how at least we gave the little stray a good home in her final years. No, she gave US a good home. The food and warm bed were only repayment to her for her kindness and devotion.
DH and I both had pets previously in our lives but no loss was as devastating as letting go of Foxy. We cried and held each other for a week afterwards. I still cannot bear to see her picture and the family rarely mentions her name. We are not forgetting her, it's just that the pain of loss is still too fresh.
So, your are definitely not alone. We all know the time will come, but that doesn't make it any easier. I would have spent my last dime on Foxy had I known it would make her life more fulfilled. But she had kidney disease and there's not much you can do. And I loved her enough to know that fancy treatments would just prolong the inevitable. I wanted her to be happy, not me. You know what they say, money can't buy happiness. So the day came, much to soon, that her devoted brown eyes had a look of sadness behind them and I knew it was time to say goodbye.
I hope I haven't been too much of a downer today. Just wanted to share my story since I have been in your shoes. I found WS after Foxy was gone and one of the first things I sowed was Foxy Foxglove. Thanks to Trudi and everyone here, her memory is now running all around the yard and I sowed more this year to plant on her grave.
I think it's great that you'll adopt an older cat when Nipper is gone. We have since found another Pom that needed a home. Nothing will take their place but might as well try to fill the void. In the meantime, don't dwell too much on the end. It will only spoil the remaining time you have left with your Nipper. He looks fit and sassy. Give him a scratch on the chinney-chin for me.
Becky

Bakemom,
I'm so sorry. I always knew I loved animals and I resisted getting any pets for several years before I picked up a cat at the Humane Society. I used to resist getting a pet because I knew how intimate the emotional relationship becomes between a pet and his/her human. Now I have three cats and a dog. The passing of any of them (and myself) is inevitable, but it doesn't make it feel any better when the time comes.
Love him with everything you have, try to make him comfortable, and be present in every minute you have with him. They are knowing as much as (if not more) than we humans are. Nipper will treasure ever special "transfer" of emotion.
My Mufasa looks a little like Nipper. Mufasa is the one cat I have that makes me KNOW why someone would clone a cat. If I had tons of money, I probably would clone him.

This has been incredable to read. Our pets...yes, they ARE part of our family. Nipper is such a kool cat - I hope you all enjoy his time left together.

((Bakemom))...StoryB

Bakemom, thought of you and Nipper the other afternoon. My brother slipped in the house and put some pictures and a couple of his new CD's on the coffee table. He had just developed a roll of film and couldn't remember what was on it. They were of my son's T-ball game when he was about 6. There were also 2 in there of my 'Little Boy Blu' that I lost about a year ago.... It immediately tugged at my heart strings but it was sooooo good to see his face. Thought of you and remembered I hadn't told you thanx for posting the pictures of your babies. They are all absolutely beautiful.

Karen - how's Nipper feeling these days? Still asking for "Ham!", I hope .........

PV

You know it. Someone forgot to tell him he's dying. Or at least he forgot. He's slept in the sun, chased after the girls' mice (two so far this spring) and wrestles with our 2 year old cat Maggie. He has gained weight from all the HAM! A neighbor cat came over to visit and he escorted her sternly to the border. No sign of illness!

My neighbor's grown daughter came over and said she was getting married and couldn't keep her cat of 8 years. Her mom said to ask me to take Mia. I was astounded because I know my neighbors do not like cats and mine are a sore trial for them despite the fact they appreciate the mouse patrol. So, what could I say? Mia will be here in a week. She's spayed, front declaw, fully vetted, mostly indoor except for garden excursions (just like mine) and perfectly housebroken.

I guess no one wanted an 8 year old cat and her owner was at her wits end. She had been crying and crying about it. Problem solved, I suppose, but Nipper's showing no signs of pegging out (that's good, but it's going to be crowded around the cat bowl). We have a 4 cat limit here in my burb, so we are at CAT CAPACITY!

Mia has lived with a dog, so she'll probably adjust fine. BTW, after all that, I have no idea what this cat looks like. We'll see soon.

I'm so happy to hear that Nipper is doing so well! He's making the most of what he's got left, we should all enjoy life the way that he is.

People don't understand. Eight years old is a perfect age to adopt a cat. They don't have the destructive behavior of a kitten anymore, they still love to play, but by now they know the value of a warm lap and a nuzzle. I have always adopted adults, and I'm not sure I'd have it any other way.

WOW...good for NIpper! I am so glad to here this.

Good for you..taking in this new kitty. Everyone (the other cats) will adjust with time.

Thanks for the update.

Storygarener

I'm so glad to hear Nipper is in fine form. Tiger says hi & enjoy the ham. The seeds from you have sprouted & are ready for planting out. Thanks, Bev

Bakemom, please put up a picture of Mia when you get her!

Mary

Bakemom, we are at Cat Pacity too, and people are dangling kittens under my nose. Orange kittens. I don't have an orange cat!
Nipper is going the way we'd all like to go! Living each day to the fullest until that day when he's taken to kitty heaven. May all his days be filled of laying in the sun, chasing mice and lots of HAM!

I've almost lost my Boo Boo twice, and she sure learned to relish each day, and Beef Loaf!

GGG

Mia is here and has been in residence since Wednesday. Although she is not as tough as a feral, she is having a hard time and is very fearful. She attacked me Thursday morning while I was getting ready for work and bloodied my foot pretty good. It's fear biting and I'm not that concerned. She's scared.

But think about it: she lost her mommy, her indoor home and her outdoor home. She's in a house that's a four-level split with hardwood floors (echose) three hostile cats, three teens and friends, and she can't get outdoors.

She's eating fine - hollow leg in fact. She's using her own litter pan (she's confined to my room with food, water, her old carrier and pan in my bathroom).

She will likely be in isolation for a while. I left the door to my room open today, but she was content to stay in there. She enjoys the windowsill and plays with toys with the kids. I'm waiting to see her groom - that will be the key.

As for Nipper, he's appearing healthier than ever and loving this spring. Oh well.

I am happy to read that Nipper is doing well. My heart goes out to you. Hope your new kitty adjusts quickly.
I lost my Tommy/Mr. Kitty March of last year, and it is still hard for me to talk about. I can't think about it for long either. We were so close. He influenced a lot of my decisions. My first trailor I bought partly because he needed a good home and could'nt live in my parent's home with the dogs, so we had a new home. I did'nt date men for long that did not love cats. We were a package deal! He was friendly like a dog and fierce like a little bobcat. He loved to sit in my lap, and although, he got to sit there a lot, I still remember the times that I thought I had to get the house clean or do other things, and did'nt let him jump into my lap. I miss him terribly.
But I am so thankful to have had him. He was family and my friend! I know he was my gift from God!
I am so glad to hear that Nipper is still enjoying life and enjoying his ham. I love your stories! Maybe at some point you could write a little book or put together a little scrapbook with his pics and stories. But right now, I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying your time together. Loved his pictures and the pictures of your other cats. Nipper is a beautiful cat! Give a little smooch on the head from me! Blessings to you and Nipper and your family and kitties.

Just happened by here Bakemom, and have enjoyed all the stories of "our friends" and their "pets". I know that they are more than that. I, also, am a cat lover and lost my 19 year old about six weeks ago. Just plain old age. When "he" Willis (as in Bruce Willis)started to go down hill it was very quickly. This is the firstcat I have had "pass" in the home and it was terrible!! His last cry was so dry and raspy, from lack of water, that I knew he was saying good bye. I miss him dearly. I am now down to two black cats, one long haired. They are both nice but I don't have the closeness that I had with Willis. I lost another a year ago last Thanksgiving. I believe a wild animal got him. Came home a couple of times with his "butt" taken a bite out of. Would patch him (stitious==as in superstitious) up and back out he would go. Guess he didn't get away the last time. He had a different face and his eyes looked right through you. They all have their place in our lives, and they all have different personalities, just like humans. I have had cats for ever and every kind I guess-except a Coon Cat and I originate from Maine!

Bakemom, I can tell that you think the world of your Nipper and glad that you are still able to hold him close.

Bakemom it is now over two months since your last report. How is Nipper health wise now? Is he still on mouse patrol?

How is Mia adjusting? Would love to see a picture of her since she has had two months with her new loving family.

Please give us an update. We have not forgotten about you and Nipper.

JanetGranny

Oh by NO MEANS trivial! I am sorry for your family. Hope you all do well with the transition.
Kathy

Nipper is dead. He lost five pounds in the last few weeks. His back was arched and tonight he seemed to have trouble breathing. Michael, Stephen and I took him to the vet and we had him put to sleep. We bawled our eyes out and couldn't stop kissing him goodbye.

I know lots of pet owners down south are hurting now and I share that pain - for different reasons.

Rest in peace my precious boy.

bakemom - I am so sad for you and your family. The only consolation is in knowing that you gave him such a wonderful life. I know what you are going through and I feel for all of you from the bottom of my heart. Please take care of yourselves. Carrie

I had wondered about Nipper. I'm saddened to read your post. Pets really are a part of the family. I'm sure thinking of you and your children. Gabriell

Mia didn't work out. She just couldn't live with other cats and as the weeks went by, she got worse and worse. Her owner found another home for her with no cats. I hope she does better. There are just some cats that can't live with other cats and become fearful constantly and very aggressive. There was nothing we could do to help her short of tranqing her and we didn't want to do that.

Thanks for your support. We are devastated.

Karen

My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. We lost our cat Chelsea (only 12) this past spring to liver failure. Her brother Harley, is a godsend to still enjoy, but a day doesn't go by that I don't think of her. I tell myself that some day Chelsea will be with her family again, as I know she waits for us at the "Rainbow Bridge", as Nipper is waiting for you.

Take care

'Rainbow Bridge'

Thank you for fighting to save me,
Thank you for letting me go.
I tried so hard to stay and when
at last I had to leave your arms
I didn't know you'd cry so much,
for such a little friend.

I saw you put our toys away.
Don't you want to play?
with the ball or the squeaky toy.
Maybe it wouldn't be as much fun
to play with them alone.

That place you made in the yard
is nice with flowers and a teddy bear.
I'll try to get my teeth on that
and drag it laughing through the air.

I watched you find a photo of me
and put it on the fridge.
I will remember your face as well,
and I'll meet you at the bridge.

I'm so sorry to hear about Nipper. My heart aches for you and your family. I wish so much I knew how to comfort you, but as you well know I just went thru it myself and I still struggle to keep my composure every day.

Nipper and Dallas (my dallas loved cats....) are at the bridge having a blast and probably eating loads of ham and pizza crust and we're left here with our memories and the hole left in our lives. But we will see them again one day... and as I tell my 12 year old.. they probably won't even realize that we weren't just at work and school for the day. They are at peace and happy and free. Now, we just have to figure out how to live with our pain.

Be gentle with yourself and I'm thinking and praying for healing for you and your family, and I'll light a candle for your beautiful boy. Let me know if you need me.... im here for you....

And I'm so sorry Mia didn't work out.

Karen, every time I try to post here my eyes start to burn and fill up. I know exactly how you feel, it's so sad to lose a beloved pet. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Mary

Oh, Karen, so sorry to read about Nipper.

He's probably out there, asking for "Ham!". Love to you and your family, both people and animals.

PV

Karen,

I am so sorry for you and your family in the loss of your beloved Nipper.

Know there are lots of prayers and hugs from your WS friends. God bless you and yours,

Shore

Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your little friend Nipper.
Seeing his picture and reading about your loss has brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine the enormity of your grief.
Even though it's often quoted do try to remember that time does heal all wounds.
Your GW buddies are here for you, just come on back and talk to us. It may help.

Raney

Karen... Im so sorry to read that Nipper lost his fight :-(

But feel happy that he knew how much you loved him, and I can see that someone else already mentioned the Rainbow Bridge.
Im sure hes sharing his HAM with little Dallas while my two sweet bunny babies are probably close by munching on lovely green grass. Who knows, maybe they will teach Nipper and Dallas what a delicasy (sp?) green grass really is:-)

Take lots of care,
Hanne

I'm so sorry to hear about Nipper, Karen. I've thought of you often in the last few months even though I haven't been posting here too much lately.

Since you first wrote about Nipper, my parents have lost Hannah, 19, and her son Rufus, 18, and our poor kitty Lucy died last Saturday. I keep expecting to see her lazy self snoozing under the bench in the kitchen when I come home!

I agree with Hanne that they are all frolicking together happily and fluffing up some clouds for a nice afternoon nap.

I'm sorry to read about Nipper... I was wondering how he was doing. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, and to the others going through bereavement here as well.

*hugs*

Annie in Norway

Karen, I am so sorry to read about Nipper. Pets are part of us. They are there when we need them, no questions asked. No unnecessary words to mar the beautiful silence, a partner in the garden, couch and bed. It is so hard to let them go. Thank you for sharing Nipper with us. He was absolutley gorgeous. Shannon
P.S. I had to put my Australian Sheperd down in April. I planted an Endless Hydrangea in her memory. I chose EH because it blooms on old wood and new- I got Cappie when she was a puppy and I was a teenager- young. She was a retired trail dog. She has been with me through hs, college, getting married, and kids- old. It blooms all summer/endlessly like Cappie's friendship and companionship. The hydrangea doesn't replace her by any means but it helps to look out my window and see her shrub. It is also easy to take cuttings so that if we move she can go with us. Shannon

Bakemom...Hugs....Cheflisbeth

Thanks everyone. We're limping along here with the loss of both Beetle and Nips this summer it's been a rotten time. I can't imagine what the folks down south are doing with the loss of their pets. The human toll is awful enough, then to add the pets to the loss - crazy.

In the meantime, Kelly and I participated in the Cat Welfare first annual 5K and today I dropped off donations for their weekly garage sale. I was cuddling kittens and petting the older cats - if my son hadn't been with me, I swear I would have picked up a coupla kittens.

Maggie (2) and Max (7 months) are still at odds a bit, mostly because Max is full o beans and wants to jump Maggs when she would rather nap. He's at that age... I think we will make it through the winter with only two cats, but come spring...well I can't make any promises - cat welfare will be calling my name...

Nipper and Beetle are proud of you. Shannon

Perhaps a bump of this thread will help those out there suffering the loss of a beloved pet. You can't ask for better GW friends. Gardeners seem to know.

Those darn poems brought me to tears again. So lovely and yet so sad.

Maybe this will help someone a little.

BTW, Maggie and Max are now 4 years and 2 years old. The relationship between these two felines is still rocky at times, but they do know they are family and can be delightful together. Max really needs to mature.

Oh, my! Reading this again has brought tears to my eyes, but it has also had me laughing out loud! Those Nipper stories! And I'd forgotten about Gracie and her stinky farts!

She's not so stinky anymore, and she's grown up a bit - she's almost 3 now - but she's still a handful. I love the little vixen - and a lot of it has to do with the fact that she always comes when I call, even if I do call her Petey or Mandy from time to time!

PV